
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Driving and Operating 183
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
all-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Make sure all underbody
shields, if equipped, are properly
attached.
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the
load floor can be tossed
about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your
passengers can be struck
by flying objects. Secure the
cargo properly.
. Keep cargo in the cargo
area as far forward and as
low as possible. The
heaviest things should be
on the floor, forward of the
rear axle.
. Heavy loads on the roof
raise the vehicle's center of
gravity, making it more likely
to roll over. You can be
seriously or fatally injured if
the vehicle rolls over. Put
heavy loads inside the
cargo area, not on the roof. For more information about loading
the vehicle, see
Vehicle Load Limits
0 190.
Environmental Concerns
.
Always use established trails,
roads, and areas that have been
set aside for public off-road
recreational driving and obey all
posted regulations.
. Do not damage shrubs, flowers,
trees, or grasses or disturb
wildlife.
. Do not park over things that
burn. See Parking over Things
That Burn 0202.
Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good
judgment and an understanding of
what the vehicle can and cannot do.
{Warning
Many hills are simply too steep
for any vehicle. Driving up hills
can cause the vehicle to stall.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
200 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
engine heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end
of the cord will prevent engine
coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from
the rear compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly. 4. Plug the cord into the
receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Driving and Operating 201
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0264.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0216
for more information.
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward
the front of the vehicle into
P (Park). 3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See
Shifting Into Park 0201.
If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0264.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
234 Driving and Operating
.Subjected to strong light from
opposing lane traffic in the front
of the vehicle, such as
high-beam headlamps from
oncoming traffic.
Accessory Installations and
Vehicle Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct
the front camera, such as a canoe,
kayak, or other items that can be
transported on a roof rack system.
See Roof Rack System 0110.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps,
or fog lamps, as this may limit the
camera’s ability to detect an object. Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the
windshield behind the rearview
mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This
area needs to be cleaned for ACC
to operate properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to
be cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice.
Objects that are not illuminated
correctly may be difficult to detect.
If ACC will not operate, regular
cruise control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and
Regular Cruise Control”
in this
section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise
control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle” under
Exterior Care 0359.Driver Assistance
Systems
This vehicle may have features that
work together to help avoid crashes
or reduce crash damage while
driving, backing, and parking. Read
this entire section before using
these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver
Assistance Systems. These
systems do not replace the need
for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by
these systems. Failure to use
proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving
0 180.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Vehicle Care 315
The rear compartment fuse block is
behind a trim panel on the side of
the rear compartment.
Remove the trim plate to access the
fuse block.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses and relays
shown.
FusesUsage
F1 Exhaust fuel heater/Selective
catalytic reduction
power module
(diesel only)
F2 Liftgate
F3 Trailer auxiliary power
F4 Passenger power seat
F5 Memory seat module
F6 Sunroof
F7 Side blind zone alert
F8 Trailer reverse lamps
F9 Rear heated seat 1
F10 Park lamps F11 Rear heated seat 2
F12 –
F13 Trailer parking lamp

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Service and Maintenance 371
.Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0359.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 359.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks. .
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 076.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0359.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0301.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0301.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 301. .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See Gas Strut(s)
0 303.
. Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit
0 338.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof054.

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
Index 421
Rearview Mirrors (cont'd)Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 355
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 89
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 398
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398 Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 386
Running out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 398
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 393
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Seat Belts (cont'd)
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 76
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 75
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . 64
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 60
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 59
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102, 104
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12145779) - 2019 - CRC - 7/30/18
422 Index
Service (cont'd)Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 169
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 277
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 382
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 383
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 393
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 246
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Special Application Services . . . . 375 Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Rear Compartment/StoragePanel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 107
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168, 400
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 390
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 49Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320